FAQ
Thick-billed Longspur © Robert Royse
ANSWERS TO your QUESTIONS
Planning a birding trip involves many factors and some unknowns. This guide to frequently asked questions will assist you in the process. If you need further clarification on any points or have questions not covered here, please don’t hesitate to ask us!
Where do I go?
Colorado is a large state with varied landscapes and birdlife, but the highest diversity of birds can be accessed easily within a few hours drive of the front range cities. Take a look at our locations page to get an idea of which regions are home to which species. Consider your birding objectives, how much you want to travel, and your budget.
When do I come?
Colorado’s highest bird diversity occurs during breeding season from May through September, but its most unique birding marvels happen at different times of the year. Grouse lek season begins in late February through early May, and June through August are typically the best months for two of the most popular specialties White-tailed Ptarmigan and Black Swift. Winter offers close-up viewing of three species of rosy-finch, and plenty of mountain specialties are present year-round.
What will I see?
This depends on when you come, where you go, and your objectives. Colorado Field Ornithologists produces a useful up-to-date state checklist and while eBird is without doubt the most dynamic tool. Use the downloadable lists to the right to determine which species you can expect to see or target during your visit. You can view species sorted by taxonomic order (evolutionary relationships) or sighting frequency (percentage of checklists that have reported the species). NOTE: frequency does not necessarily reflect the likelihood of seeing a given species.
TAXONOMIC Order
Sighting FREQUency
What do I bring?
Start with whatever you bring out birding on a regular basis – binoculars, spotting scope, camera, appropriate outerwear (including sunscreen, bug spray, and chapstick), daypack, and water/snacks. Check out our services page for a list of what we’ll bring along as well. Bring at least one layer each of clothes for warm, cold, and wet conditions, and be sure to check with your guide to see if more layers make sense based on the location or weather conditions. We recommend sticking with long pants, long sleeves, and closed-toed shoes when in the field.
What do I eat?
Food is handled per circumstances and preferences. Breakfast is quick, usually at your lodging, a quick restaurant, or packed ahead of time for the field. Similarly, lunch is often on-the-go, either packed or ordered at a quick restaurant along the way. Often folks choose to beat the heat and the mid-day lull by taking a break and eating lunch at a dine-in restaurant. Dinner is the best time to relax and enjoy some good food out. Colorado has phenomenal Mexican food and the food scene in the major front range cities is excellent and varied. Yelp and Trip Advisor are excellent resources to surf Colorado’s non-birding highlights!
What is the weather like?
Colorado experiences four seasons, but its dry climate can cause large temperature fluctuations even within a day. Snow is possible at nearly any time of year at the highest elevations in the Rocky Mountains, and many high mountain passes will be closed from October through April. Summers are mild in the mountains and warm on the plains and front range, but temperatures even in the lower areas of the plains and front range can drop considerably at night. It is always best to check conditions where you will be before you go. Accuweather and Weather Underground are the best resources.
